Polokwane Municipality clarifies Juju Valley eviction process
The Polokwane Municipality has set the record straight with regard to the eviction of illegal land invaders along Matlala Road, known as Juju Valley Phase 2.
A resident was also shot and killed during the eviction operation on Tuesday, 1 April. A security guard has since been arrested for the death of the 63-year-old.
ALSO READ: GAAL Celebrates 30 Years of dedicated service
The Municipality, in the Capricorn, had previously warned against the illegal occupation of privately owned land. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Municipality strongly condemned attempts to link executive Mayor, Makoro John Mpe to the incidents that unfolded on the day of the eviction.
“This is an administrative process and has nothing to do with the political leadership of the municipality,” said Municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala
THE POLOKWANE MUNICIPALITY HAS SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON THE JUJU VALLEY PHASE 2 EVICTION
“Such claims are misleading and intended to tarnish his name. The municipality urges those spreading false narratives to desist from these actions and allow legal processes to unfold.
“As a law-abiding institution, Polokwane Municipality continues to uphold the rule of law and ensure that land occupation follows legal and regulated procedures. The unlawful invasion on the affected land remains a serious concern, and any claims that the municipality sanctioned these invasions are false,” they said.
“The municipality has engaged extensively with the affected illegal invaders regarding their unlawful occupation of land. The illegal occupiers resisted, prompting the municipality’s engagement with the land owners who gave the municipality power of attorney to obtain a court order to evict. The court order was granted and the municipality issued a media statement and proceeded to serve notices by hand, laud hailing and erecting notice boards granting them 48 hours to vacate.
“It is important to note that while some portions of the envaded land are registered under the municipality, others belong to private owners. Any unlawful occupation of such land infringes on both municipal and private ownership rights, necessitating legal action. The municipality enforced a court-ordered eviction and during the eviction process, court interdict was received from the complainant. The municipality has respected the court’s directive and ceased operations accordingly while seeking legal counsel on the way forward.”
